Just over 600lbs useful and a field overhaul from the 80s. Sure does look good though.

Kaptain_K wrote:Just over 600lbs useful and a field overhaul from the 80s. Sure does look good though.

Take about $30k off the asking price so you can overhaul the engine and it would be a fair deal. It's going to need it. Sedan's are great planes, especially with the 180 horse, but too slow for the stated mission.

G44 wrote:David, I agree with you on logs, amazing how crappy some “impeccable” logs are. Current W&B and updated equipment list is another thing many airplanes are lacking.

Kurt

I couldn't agree more. I think I have my "forever" airplane, but if I ever do buy another one, part of the pre-buy will be putting it on the scales.

DavidB. wrote:...........My biggest problem with many aircraft is the total crap logs people keep. I don't have much confidence in a mechanic that can't write legibly and log what was done to the aircraft, and what materials were used, what references were used, and parts were installed. My time as an A&P has been mostly part 135, mostly Medevac EC135's, 145's, A119's and PC12's. I understand I shouldn't hold part 91 logs to the same standard, but at least be complete and legible......

I've seen some great, detailed, comprehensive logbook entries...
but the mechanics handwriting was so shitty that they were just about illegible.
IMHO the greatest thing to happen to logbooks has been that sticky-back computer paper--
the logbook entry can be typed up, printed out, and stuck in the logbook.
I'm fussy about the entries in my logbooks--
it's easy to review them with my mechanic, and edit them beforehand if required, when they're up on the computer screen.

Scolopax wrote:I would go take a look at this since it's in your neighborhood. https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1527204-Aeronca-Sedan.html

These are pretty special airplanes. Especially with a Lycoming O-360 up front. An MT prop on that plane would be very interesting.

I've seen this one up close and it is very nice.

Here's a little reading on the model: https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/aero ... ghts-20669

Too old, too slow. I like it and all, but isn't quite what we need for our intended uses. I'd also really like something that can go IFR.

DavidB. wrote:

Scolopax wrote:I would go take a look at this since it's in your neighborhood. https://www.barnstormers.com/classified-1527204-Aeronca-Sedan.html

These are pretty special airplanes. Especially with a Lycoming O-360 up front. An MT prop on that plane would be very interesting.

I've seen this one up close and it is very nice.

Here's a little reading on the model: https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/aero ... ghts-20669

Too old, too slow. I like it and all, but isn't quite what we need for our intended uses. I'd also really like something that can go IFR.

Seems like a 182 would fit your specifics pretty well. It is a fantastic airplane. Might not find a cream puff for 75k.

I'll be the stick in the mud and say I have had terrible experiences with getting parts from Maule. As in it takes weeks to get a hold of anybody in parts and months to get the parts I've ordered. Then they send the wrong ones, and when you return them it takes months to get a refund... and some of the parts are well supported, but a bunch of M4 and M5 parts aren't easy to get from them anymore as they are mostly just manufactory the M7/9 stuff now. They are a good enough airplane, but my customer experience has left me very turned off and I can't in good conscience recommend them to anyone. And I service 4 of them, so its a dreaded experience anytime I have to call them for parts..

I’ve been dealing with Maule ever since I went to Moultrie and picked up an M5 180C that I bought in 2015.
The Maule folks (Thanks to Duane and Michael) came out and helped me take wings of airplane to transport and gave me a long history on the aircraft that had belonged to a neighbor of them at Spence Field.
I have since put that aircraft back in the air, put 500 hours on it and since sold it.
I have 3 more Maules on the my field that we maintain and fly and I have NEVER had anything but good service and help from the folks at Maule.
Quick service, good advice and a small town attitude that is unique in aviation.
It always surprises me to hear the bad stories about Maule. Never happened with me and there was a time I called them weekly.
I would buy another Maule in a minute if the fit my mission and more importantly my body!
Great aircraft from great folks.

lcdrles wrote:I’ve been dealing with Maule ever since I went to Moultrie and picked up an M5 180C that I bought in 2015.
The Maule folks (Thanks to Duane and Michael) came out and helped me take wings of airplane to transport and gave me a long history on the aircraft that had belonged to a neighbor of them at Spence Field.
I have since put that aircraft back in the air, put 500 hours on it and since sold it.
I have 3 more Maules on the my field that we maintain and fly and I have NEVER had anything but good service and help from the folks at Maule.
Quick service, good advice and a small town attitude that is unique in aviation.
It always surprises me to hear the bad stories about Maule. Never happened with me and there was a time I called them weekly.
I would buy another Maule in a minute if the fit my mission and more importantly my body!
Great aircraft from great folks.

This is inline with everything I have heard about Maule as a company. It is a factor in my desire to own one. I have always gravitated towards interesting vehicles with cult followings. If you saw my motorcycles, or pictures of the cars my wife and I have owned, you would understand.
I also gravitate towards stuff you have to actually know how to operate. Most of my cars have been manuals, my two daily drivers are manuals now.

This:

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?ca ... e=aircraft

It is listed by a broker, Maule Air Texas. I am okay with a broker, I get that some older owners are not internet savvy and there would be less financial risks in a world of scammers. Anyone deal with this guy before? He was okay on the phone and sent me a bunch of higher resolution pictures as soon as we hung up. The aircraft is just north of SLC, so that's an easy trip from home by air or if needed, car. I just made it there in less than a day last February driving.

New fabric in 2012, mid time engine. The panel has room for improvement, but is sufficient and I can improve it in time. There is some flexibility on price but I don't know how much. He suggested I throw a number out, I'm not really sure how to evaluate it. If a realtor is pricing a house, they used sold comparisons preferably recent ones. But home sale prices are a matter of public record and easily accessible to realtors. Suggestions?

Here's another one I'd like help with. I am not current. I have 100 or so hours tailwheel, 200 or so in various tri-gear. I have not flown solo in 2 years. I've also flown a bunch in rotorcraft with pilots I worked with moving various helicopters around the US. I may have picked up some bad habits with my rudder pedal skills. I think this because I had to use considerable effort to not treat the anti torque pedals like rudder pedals, now it seems more natural to use very light control inputs. I'm sure it will all come back, but I need to get the aircraft home, and then get dual time in it with someone who knows a bit about flying Maules.
There are two local instructors, both good with tail draggers, but neither knows much about Maules. Suggestions?

And before some says insurance..... yes, I checked and yes it's expensive, but it costs what it costs and I can afford it.

For 92,500; I’d be looking at a C-180. (No surprise with that position, we’ve owned ours for 30 years)

Here’s one at that exact price.
https://www.barnstormers.com/classified ... atid=17394

The mid-1960’sis a good point in the 180 lineage. Anchorage would be a good place to sell the floats if you don’t want them.

DavidB. wrote:...., and then get dual time in it with someone who knows a bit about flying Maules.
There are two local instructors, both good with tail draggers, but neither knows much about Maules. Suggestions?....

I don't know of any competent Maule instructors in "Yakistan".
It might help if you told us where you're located.

hotrod180 wrote:

DavidB. wrote:...., and then get dual time in it with someone who knows a bit about flying Maules.
There are two local instructors, both good with tail draggers, but neither knows much about Maules. Suggestions?....

I don't know of any competent Maule instructors in "Yakistan".
It might help if you told us where you're located.

Yakima WA was my part time residence for the 1.5 years I worked for Cub Crafters, never ended up fully moving there, really did not like the town at all, and as great of a group as Cub Crafter was/is, working in management at an airplane factory was way too hands off and indoors for me. I went back to turning wrenches on helicopters and now dabble in real estate and mess around in my hangar/shop in Lake Chelan WA.

TLDR Version: I live in Chelan WA and my home airport is S10. I will update my profile.

Maule.

I bought my Maule when I had 100 hours in Cessna's. I have had nothing but good experiences with Maule parts. I have been to the Maule factory. Very nice folks. I second what was said about engines that have sat a long time. Not good. Maule insurance is expensive until you build some hours. Then about the same as a 182.

I had a landing, BAD BAD landing!! Probably would have totaled a 182. It didn't hurt the Maule. It hurt my pride!

Don't get me wrong. I really like 182's. If you are not going off airport 182's are great!!!

Cheers...Rob

Rick Geiger at Montana By Air is the go to Maule off airport instructor and he's relatively close to you. He has a website and some youtube videos up so you can check him out. Seems like the one you're considering is slightly overpriced but not terribly. I'd really check out the 2019 ground loop and make sure the prop didn't hit. Close inspection of the logs and actual serial numbers for any changes not logged.

Close inspection of wing attach points as well as bent upper deck.

Maule insurance is expensive especially for a low time Maule pilot.
Kurt

Initial purchase price is one thing, but cost to operate for all of these planes can be drastically different. If you don’t know what you want yet you could buy something on the less expensive side, like a Pacer, fly it for a year or two until you have a better idea of what your mission is and then upgrade when you are ready.

alaskadrifter wrote:Initial purchase price is one thing, but cost to operate for all of these planes can be drastically different. If you don’t know what you want yet you could buy something on the less expensive side, like a Pacer, fly it for a year or two until you have a better idea of what your mission is and then upgrade when you are ready.

Good observation, but I can do all of my own maintenance. Labor is a big factor for many because the more airplane you have, the more time it takes to work on it.
A pacer really doesn't fit my mission anymore. I'm not as inclined as I used to be to restore a 60 year old airplane. I am more into getting a 20 year old airplane and flying it to places I have not been to before, with my gear, my wife, and my dog.
When I set $75K as my number to stop saving and start shopping there were quite a few great aircraft in the price range. COVID and other factors have driven sales of stuff like airplanes this year, and there is really not much for sale in that range right now. If I was shopping 6 months ago, $75K would have easily bought a later model MX7-180, several sold in that range.
By spending more on initial purchase, should mean less restoration type work would be needed, it should have at least a mid time engine, both in calendar and hourly times, radios that work, ect.

Pacer is my standard answer since it can be had at such a value compared to other aircraft. Insurance was already mentioned, but support for an orphaned, uncommon, or just plain expensive (no pun intended, think turbocharged) engine type is another cost gotcha to consider. I might be partial to the Pacer since I got mine for less than $30k with almost all the mods I wanted, and it has reasonably good performance while still being able to squeeze my family in it.

DavidB. wrote:

alaskadrifter wrote:Initial purchase price is one thing, but cost to operate for all of these planes can be drastically different. If you don’t know what you want yet you could buy something on the less expensive side, like a Pacer, fly it for a year or two until you have a better idea of what your mission is and then upgrade when you are ready.

Good observation, but I can do all of my own maintenance. Labor is a big factor for many because the more airplane you have, the more time it takes to work on it.
A pacer really doesn't fit my mission anymore. I'm not as inclined as I used to be to restore a 60 year old airplane. I am more into getting a 20 year old airplane and flying it to places I have not been to before, with my gear, my wife, and my dog.
When I set $75K as my number to stop saving and start shopping there were quite a few great aircraft in the price range. COVID and other factors have driven sales of stuff like airplanes this year, and there is really not much for sale in that range right now. If I was shopping 6 months ago, $75K would have easily bought a later model MX7-180, several sold in that range.
By spending more on initial purchase, should mean less restoration type work would be needed, it should have at least a mid time engine, both in calendar and hourly times, radios that work, ect.

I was looking at an M5-180 a year ago but kept looking due to some issues with an old major repair. I was told by the 'experts" that I don't want a 180 horse M5 because it has short wings and no power. But, I see there are many M5-180 owners who love their aircraft.
I realize I will not have the same ability to take off from short strips with high DA and a full load, but the 130 mph cruise at 8.2 GPH is interesting.

I know I am asking for it with this question, but why again is an M5-180 not good? Or, if you have first hand knowledge of M5's, why shouldn't I take a close look at this one?